The PPMA Show, the UK’s free-to-attend, processing and packaging machinery exhibition, returns to the NEC Birmingham, 26-28 September to provide manufacturers with insights into the latest machinery products, technologies and materials. Registration is now open and easier than ever before. It takes less than three minutes for attendees to secure their place.

The PPMA Show is organised by the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) which comprises the PPMA, British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and the UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA). Serving manufacturers within the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and FMCG industries to contract packers and more, the show will offer visitors a chance to see new machinery in action, to gain new ideas and solutions, access potential new suppliers and purchase the latest technology.

The PPMA Show 2017 will feature a new and improved Learning Hub, providing visitors and exhibitors with insights from leading industry experts as well as influential opinion leaders from the wider business world.

A full speaker programme will be announced in the coming months, but early confirmations include popular TED speaker and chartered engineer, Peter Anderton. Peter, who previously worked as production manager for United Biscuits (UB), will speak in two sessions. The first session will introduce visitors to his two-rule approach to great leadership before revealing insights into how to build a successful team.

The new Learning Hub will also highlight a wide range of issues and trends facing the manufacturing sectors. Topics currently under discussion include how businesses are evolving to meet changing market demands, embracing the future of Industry 4.0; the challenges of coding and labelling with details on need-to-know information, and the future of the retail landscape and how this will impact on the packaging industries. By expanding the focus of the new Learning Hub beyond the traditional manufacturing industries, organisers hope to inspire visitors by providing a new perspective on relevant trends and issues, as well as skills applicable across all industries.

The PPMA Show 2017 will also feature all-new entertainment and interactive features, including a computer-controller goalkeeper, known as RoboKeeper. Described as the world’s best goalie, the RoboKeeper has already taken on the likes of footballers Lionel Messi and Neymar and will challenge visitors and exhibitors to try and score a goal live at the show. The RoboKeeper uses cutting-edge robotics and vision technology, reacting within fractions of a second, making it almost impossible to score.

Speaking about the exhibition, Valerio Del Vecchio, head of marketing, PPMA Group of Associations, said: “Over the past 30 years, the PPMA Show has united buyers and suppliers at one of the UK’s most visually dynamic exhibitions. It enables manufacturing professionals to come together, network, discuss future trends, find inspiration and gain invaluable insights from thought leaders.

“The PPMA Total Show 2016 saw over 1,000 leading packaging and processing machinery manufacturers represented, with more than 7,500 visitors descending on the NEC to find out more. Feedback from visitors attending the 2016 show revealed that the show is the destination to keep up to date with the industry, find inspiration, and meet with new suppliers or business partners. We’re looking forward to building on this success when we open the doors to the PPMA Show 2017 on 26 September.”

To register for your free pass to attend the PPMA Show 2017 click here